Poetry Festival opens in Xi'an

In the Northwestern Chinese city of Xi'an, the second China Poetry Festival got underway on the weekend. Here's a look at the grand literary occasion.

The opening ceremony on Saturday night featured "Modern China", "Brilliance of the Tang Dynasty", "Picturesque Mountains and Rivers", and "Greatness of Our Spirit".

Renowned actors from across China recited classics in both prose and verse, including compositions from the Tang and Song Dynasties as well as essays by more recent authors. The show also featured songs and dances.

The festival's theme is "The Spirit of Poetry Amidst China's Prosperity". Special attention is directed to representing the distinct culture of the city of Xi'an, which served as the cultural center for a string of dynasties in China. During the Tang Dynasty in the 8th and 9th century, when poetry was at its pinnacle in China, the city was home to the most distinguished poets of the time.

The China Poetry Festival was organized by the Ministry of Culture, the China Writers' Association, and the Shaanxi Provincial Government. It is set to be held every three years. This year the festival will last until May the 28th. Besides the city of Xi'an, certain activities will be held in other sites including Lintong and Yan'an.